Renting vs. buying a bike trailer: A cost comparison
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Should you buy or rent a bike trailer? The answer depends on how often you use it and what your needs are. Here are the most important points at a glance:
- Costs: Renting costs about 4 CHF per day or 60 CHF per week. Buying costs 400-700 CHF
- Frequent use: Buying is worthwhile if you use it 8-10 times per year.
- Occasional use: Renting is cheaper and saves maintenance costs.
- Flexibility: Your own trailer is available at any time. Rental models are often fully booked in the high season.
- Storage space: Renting saves space as no storage is necessary.
Quick comparison
| criterion | Rent | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30-60 CHF per week | 400-700 CHF one-time |
| long-term costs | Higher with regular use | Cheaper with frequent use |
| availability | Depending on the season | Always available |
| maintenance | Taken over by the landlord | Self-responsible |
| storage space | No storage required | Own storage space required |
Conclusion: Renting is ideal for occasional trips. If you travel regularly, buying will save you money in the long term and give you more flexibility. Decide based on your usage habits and budget.
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Why renting a bike trailer is a good idea
Renting a bike trailer can be a practical and flexible solution, especially for families. There are some clear advantages that make renting more attractive than buying - especially if the trailer is only used occasionally.
Cheaper for occasional use
If you only need the trailer occasionally, renting is often the cheaper option. Providers like Loopi offer rental plans starting at 29 CHF per month , which are ideal for seasonal or sporadic use.
No worries about maintenance and repairs
A big advantage of renting is that you don't have to worry about maintenance or possible repairs. The landlord takes care of these tasks, including safety checks. This not only saves money, but also time - time that you can spend with your family.
Saving space made easy
Renting is particularly convenient in urban apartments where storage space is often at a premium. After use, you simply return the trailer without having to worry about storage. This is particularly beneficial for families in apartments with limited space.
Try out different models
Renting gives you the opportunity to test different models, sizes and features so you can find out which model best suits your needs - ideal if you decide to buy a trailer later.
Of course, there are also some challenges when renting a bike trailer. We'll look at these in more detail in the next section.
Disadvantages of renting a bike trailer
Although renting offers many advantages, there are some things you should consider before making a decision.
Limited availability during peak season
During peak travel times, especially on weekends and holidays, popular models often sell out quickly. This can disrupt your plans and force you to resort to less suitable alternatives. Early booking is therefore advisable.
Rigid rental periods
Rental periods are often not very flexible. If you want to change your plans spontaneously or extend the rental period, you often come across obstacles. One user describes it like this:
"If you're regularly out and about on weekends, you don't want to have to pick up a trailer every time."
This limitation can be particularly problematic for families with unpredictable schedules.
Additional costs for accessories
The rental costs can increase significantly due to additional services. Here is an overview of possible additional costs:
| additional service | Typical costs |
|---|---|
| delivery service | 10-20 CHF per route |
| rain cover | 5-10 CHF per day |
| baby seat adapter | 8-15 CHF per week |
| Late return | 15-30 CHF per day |
These factors make it clear that renting is not always the best option, especially if you plan to use the trailer frequently.
Why Buying a Bike Trailer Can Be the Better Choice
Buying a bike trailer has many advantages, especially for families who use them frequently. Although it is initially more expensive than renting, the purchase is worth it in the long run - both financially and practically.
cost advantages with frequent use
Anyone who uses a trailer regularly often saves money after just one year. The purchase costs are usually between 400 and 700 CHF, while rental costs can quickly reach 500 to 600 € per year. In addition, there are small maintenance costs of around 30 to 50 € per year, which are hardly significant.
No time restrictions
Having your own bike trailer means you can go on spontaneous trips at any time, without the stress of rental deadlines or availability issues. This is especially useful for families with irregular schedules or unpredictable weather.
fit and resale value
When purchasing, you can choose a model that perfectly suits your needs. In addition, a well-maintained trailer retains its value: after several years of use, you can often resell or rent it for up to 50% of the original purchase price.
"A high-quality trailer can still be sold for about 50% of the original purchase price after 5 years of use."
Despite these advantages, there are also challenges when purchasing a bike trailer. These are discussed in more detail in the next section.
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Challenges when buying a bicycle trailer
Buying a bicycle trailer brings with it a number of hurdles that can be particularly significant for occasional users.
High acquisition costs
A bike trailer usually costs between 400 and 700 euros . For occasional users, this can be significantly more expensive than the annual rental fee of around 150 euros. While renting is only a manageable, recurring expense, buying requires a larger one-time expense.
responsibility for maintenance and repairs
As the owner of a trailer, you are responsible for its maintenance. This includes cleaning, lubrication, tire maintenance and repairs. Even if the annual costs for this are usually between 30 and 50 francs , it is an additional expense that requires time and organization. When renting, however, the landlord takes on these tasks.
problem of storage
A bike trailer needs enough space to be stored safely. This can be a problem, especially in urban apartments with limited storage space - especially for families who already have little space.
These points show that buying a trailer is not the best solution for everyone. A comparison between renting and buying can help you make your decision.
Comparison: Renting vs. Buying
Here is a clear table that summarizes the main differences between renting and buying:
| criterion | Rent | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| initial costs | Low (approx. 30-60 CHF per week) | High (one-time 400-700 CHF) |
| long-term costs | Higher with regular use | Cheaper with frequent use |
| Maintenance & Repair | Taken over by the landlord | Self-responsible (approx. 30-50€ annually) |
| availability | Depending on stock and season | Always available |
| storage | No storage necessary | Own storage space required |
| flexibility | Various models can be tested | deciding on a model |
| additional costs | Possible for accessories or delivery | For maintenance and spare parts |
Tip: If you use a device more than 8-10 times a year, the purchase is usually worthwhile.
Some providers also offer a rent-test-purchase option. In this case, rental costs already paid are partially offset against the purchase price. This is ideal for trying out a product risk-free.
The decision between renting and buying ultimately depends on your personal requirements. Use this overview to make the best choice for you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to rent or buy a trailer depends largely on how often and what you want to use it for. For occasional use - such as a summer vacation or a few trips a year - renting is often the better choice. The costs remain manageable and you don't have to worry about maintenance or storage.
Regular use makes buying a trailer worthwhile. If you use it 8 to 10 times a year, the investment of 400 to 700 francs can be worthwhile. In addition to the financial benefits, you benefit from constant availability and can choose the trailer exactly according to your requirements.
Another advantage of owning your own trailer is flexibility and spontaneity. You can plan trips without worrying about reservations - especially in high season when rental trailers are often hard to come by. For those who are unsure, there is the option of renting first and buying later.
Ultimately, the decision depends on what suits your usage behavior and life situation better. Both options have clear advantages that should be carefully considered.
Where can you find rental services?
Now that we've looked at the pros and cons of renting, let's look at where you can rent bike trailers.
Loopi (loopi.ch) is one of the best-known providers in this area. With subscriptions starting at CHF 29 per month and a free delivery service, Loopi makes renting particularly convenient. The minimum term is 6 months and maintenance is included in the service.
In addition to specialized platforms like Loopi, local bike shops and outdoor sports stores also offer rental options. These providers often also handle maintenance and repairs, which is especially convenient for families looking for a hassle-free solution.
Important criteria when choosing a rental service
| criterion | What you should pay attention to |
|---|---|
| flexibility | minimum subscription period |
| service | Is maintenance included in the price? |
| Delivery | Is there a delivery or pick-up service? |
| Selection | Which models are available? |
Tip : If Loopi doesn't fit your needs, check local providers. They often offer short-term rental options. Don't just compare prices, but also look for included services such as maintenance and additional services.
With this information, you can better decide whether renting or buying is the better option for you.